> My first shock was to realize SANET is actually
> sponsored by the USDA (which I had previously thought of as being
> anti-Sustainable). Then realized that there really are extension people
> out there that are VERY DIFFERENT from the ones I've become disillusioned
> with.
USDA personel were a major influence in introducing me to sustainable ag with
the concept of growing tomatoes with less pesticides and harmful environmental
effects. I personally know a half dozen USDA employees who have demonstrated
that they are serious in making sustainable ag research a priority. It is a
very tough sell sometimes to get money for their sus ag research though.
Marjorie Rayburn wrote:
>
> we need to promote a conversation and
> understanding among all facets of agriculture - large scale, conventional,
> chemical dependent farmers and organic farmers of all sizes and those
> "sustainable" types in between. I don't believe very much progress will be
> made towards a more sustainable agriculture by wishing things had been done
> differently in the past and by criticizing or downplaying small steps
> towards
> Extension's recognition of and attempts to address a growing organic
> agriculture.
This is very well stated.
IMO, we as an agriculture community are in this thing together. We need each
other. There are certain aspects of conventional farming that are very
postive, particularly the "art and technique" of farming that they do very
well.
It's been my observation that sustainable ag, and in particular the organic
sector, has lost respect among conventional ag because there has been more
finger wagging then an honest effort to show that organic farming is indeed a
viable business.
Steve Groff
"Enhancing the Environment" http://www.cedarmeadowfarm.com/
Cedar Meadow Farm
679 Hilldale Road
Holtwood, PA 17532 USA
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